Dennis died at his home in Warwickshire yesterday (22 June). He had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2012.

He recently exited from his book printing joint venture, Butler Tanner & Dennis, after rescuing the company in 2008.

Kevin Sarney, the former BT&D managing director described Dennis as “inspirational”.

“I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Dennis set up his eponymous magazine publishing business in 1973. The firm currently produces around 50 magazines including The Week and Auto Express. Its top titles over the years included the hugely-successful Maxim.

Polestar is the main print supplier to Dennis Publishing. Chief executive Barry Hibbert praised Dennis for his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, and said: “A unique and remarkable individual who had ink in his veins and a passion for the written word. His ability to see through business and spot opportunities is legendary. A true entrepreneur and character who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”

Wyndeham chief executive Paul Utting, who worked at St Ives when the PLC held the publisher’s print contract, added: “He was a tremendous entrepreneur and innovator. He did things his own way and was very successful. He leaves a strong legacy and will go down as one of the industry’s legends.”

Nigel Day, managing director at Stora Enso, said Dennis’ death was “the end of an era”.

“We did a lot with him in the States when he launched Maxim, which was a massive project at the time. It’s sad news for the industry – the industry needs people like Felix, with that creativity and drive.”